“That” is a versatile word that can function as several parts of speech, including:

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• Demonstrative adjective: “That” points out specific nouns or noun phrases, as in “That book is mine.”
• Demonstrative pronoun: “That” stands in place of a specific noun or noun phrase, as in “I want that.”
• Relative pronoun: “That” connects a subordinating clause to a main clause, as in “I know that you’re right.”
• Conjunction: “That” introduces a dependent clause, as in “They told me that they would come.”
• Adverb: “That” intensifies an adjective or adverb, as in “It’s that windy today.”
• Interjection: “That” expresses surprise or displeasure, as in “That’s beautiful!”

Understanding the Grammatical Function of “That”

As a Demonstrative Adjective:

• Example: That car is red.
• Function: Points to the specific noun “car.”

As a Demonstrative Pronoun:

• Example: I want that.
• Function: Stands in for the noun “book” that was previously mentioned.

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As a Relative Pronoun:

• Example: I know that you’re right.
• Function: Introduces the subordinating clause “that you’re right.”

As a Conjunction:

• Example: They told me that they would come.
• Function: Introduces the dependent clause “they would come.”

As an Adverb:

• Example: It’s that windy today.
• Function: Intensifies the adjective “windy.”

As an Interjection:

• Example: That’s beautiful!
• Function: Expresses surprise or displeasure.

Examples of “That” in Different Parts of Speech

Demonstrative adjective:

• Example: That book is mine.
• Usage: Demonstrates ownership of a noun.

Demonstrative pronoun:

• Example: I want that.
• Usage: Replaces a noun that is implied or previously mentioned.

Relative pronoun:

• Example: The man that you saw is my uncle.
• Usage: Introduces an essential detail about a noun.

Conjunction:

• Example: I wish that I knew.
• Usage: Connects two independent clauses.

Adverb:

• Example: It’s that windy today.
• Usage: Emphasizes the degree of a quality.

Interjection:

• Example: That’s terrible!
• Usage: Expresses a strong emotion or opinion.

Conversational Uses of “That”

Indicating distance:

• Example: That store is over there.

Referring to time:

• Example: I’ll be there in that.

Expressing familiarity:

• Example: That sounds like a great idea.

Exploring the Etymology of “That”

The word “that” originates from the Old English demonstrative pronoun “þæt.” It cognate with words like the German “das” and the Spanish “que.” Over time, its usage has evolved, and it has acquired multiple parts of speech.

What Is The Part Of Speech Of That

Conclusion

“That” is a versatile word that can serve various grammatical functions, including as a demonstrative, pronoun, relative pronoun, conjunction, adverb, and interjection. By understanding its diverse roles, you can effectively use “that” in different contexts and enhance your communication skills.